Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is seeking the opening of Wilson Street as an alternative route to help ease traffic congestion along the Banilad-Talamban (BanTal) corridor, but security requirements must first be settled before motorists can use the road.
The proposal was brought to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command (VisCom), which has responded by submitting proposed guidelines to the provincial government, VisCom spokesperson and Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Israel Galorio said.
“We promptly acted on the request of Governor Baricuatro, and her proposal for us to help decongest traffic along Banilad-Talamban corridor,” Galorio said in a phone interview.
Wilson Street connects to a military establishment, requiring the implementation of security measures if civilian vehicles are allowed to pass through.
Galorio said VisCom remains open to the proposal but stressed that motorists would have to comply with existing policies and restrictions governing the military facility.
Under the initial guidelines, access could be limited to private three-wheel vehicles.
The proposed access hours are 6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. However, Galorio said these arrangements remain subject to review and are not yet final.
Vehicles would also have to meet Armed Forces security requirements, including the existing decal system.
The provincial government will review the guidelines before meeting again with VisCom to discuss possible revisions and determine the final procedures for opening the road.
The review will include the requirements motorists must meet, particularly those concerning vehicle decals.
Galorio said implementation will depend on the province’s review and motorists’ compliance with the security requirements.
Any proposed revisions from the provincial government will be discussed with VisCom before the command and the province finalize the guidelines.
VisCom said it remains willing to work with the provincial government as long as opening Wilson Street does not compromise the security of the military installation.
Photo from Jacq Hernandez
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